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Mountain View Hospital BlogFri, 27 Mar 2015 17:43:23 +0000en-UShourly1http://wordpress.org/?v=4.1.16 Ways To Care For Your Spouse After A Heart Attackhttp://blog.mvhpayson.com/blog/2015/03/27/6-ways-to-care-for-your-spouse-after-a-heart-attack/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=6-ways-to-care-for-your-spouse-after-a-heart-attack
http://blog.mvhpayson.com/blog/2015/03/27/6-ways-to-care-for-your-spouse-after-a-heart-attack/#commentsFri, 27 Mar 2015 17:43:23 +0000http://blog.mvhpayson.com/?p=801Continue reading →]]>Your spouse suffered a heart attack. It was frightening. Maybe one of the scariest moments of your life. Thankfully, he survived. Now that he’s home, you’re wondering how to best take care of him.

1. Take Care of Yourself.

It may seem strange to think about your own health after your spouse suffered a heart attack. But you’ll best be able to take care of your spouse if you’re in good health.

Caregivers Are At Higher Risk For Mental And Physical Health Issues

● 40-70% of caregivers have clinically significant symptoms of depression.

● Caregivers’ hearts react more to stressful conditions, putting them at greater risk for high blood pressure and heart disease.

● Caregivers have diminished immune response, which leads to frequent infection and increased risk of cancers.

● Caregivers have a 23% higher level of stress hormones and a 15% lower level of antibody responses.

Don’t put off your own healthcare needs. Take this opportunity to take steps toward a healthier lifestyle together.

Source: Family Caregiver Alliance

2. Rally Support.

Depending on her condition after the heart attack, your spouse may require a lot of time and attention. This can be very draining for you emotionally and physically. Don’t try to do it all yourself.

Get the physical and emotional support you need to maintain your health and the health of your spouse.

Let your family and friends know about her condition and how they can help. Ask a family member to cook a healthy meal once a week or to drive your spouse to a doctor’s appointment. Or ask a friend for a listening ear.

3. Remind Him To Take His Medication.

After your spouse’s heart attack, the doctor will most likely prescribe some type of medication. Some medications prescribed after a heart attack lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure, relieve chest pain (angina), or reduce risk of blood clots forming. If taking medication on a daily basis is new for your spouse, he may need reminders.

Be creative. Set alerts on his cellphone or stick notes on the bathroom mirror or refrigerator door. Whatever will get his attention and remind him to take his meds. These meds are important. They may prevent future heart attacks or stroke.

4. Know The Signs Of A Heart Attack And When To Call 9-1-1.

Unfortunately, if your spouse had one heart attack, her chances of having another are higher. And symptoms for a second heart attack may look different than the first.

Signs of a heart attack include:

● Chest pain lasting more than a few minutes

● Cold sweat

● Lightheadedness

● Nausea (more common in women)

● Numbness, aching, or tingling in the arm (usually the left arm)

● Shortness of breath

● Weakness or fatigue

It’s important to understand how angina (chest pain) and a heart attack differ. Angina is chest pain usually brought on by physical exertion. This type of pain goes away in a few minutes after resting or taking medication. Pain from a heart attack is more severe and doesn’t go away with rest or medication.

If you’re unsure whether the pain is a heart attack or angina, call 9-1-1. The faster your spouse gets medical attention, the better his chances of survival and recovery.

Source: National Institutes of Health 1, 2

5. Encourage A Healthy Lifestyle.

The good news is that cardiovascular disease can be fought by making healthy lifestyle choices. Join your spouse in the new healthy lifestyle so you both can benefit.

2. Stay active. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise, five or more days a week. This can lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol, and keep weight at a healthy level. If you’re not used to exercise, start with 10 minutes a day, then work your way up.

3. Limit alcohol consumption.

Source: American Heart Association

4. Find ways to manage stress. Stress is an everyday part of life. If left unchecked, it could put you and your spouse at greater risk for disease.

Healthy Ways To Manage Stress

● Talk with family or friends.

● Take up yoga or meditation.

● Try journaling.

● Get regular exercise.

● Sleep six to eight hours a night.

● Remember to laugh.

5. Maintain a healthy weight. Body mass index (BMI) is a measure of fat in your body. A BMI between 18.5 to 24.9 is considered healthy.

6. Quit smoking.

Source: American Heart Association

6. Ask Your Doctor About Having Sex.

Your sex life may be a real concern to you and your spouse. You’re not alone. Many couples have this concern after a heart attack.

Don’t be afraid to bring up this topic with your doctor. It’s probably okay to have sex if your spouse’s condition has stabilized. Your doctor will be the best person to give you the assurance and advice you need.

]]>http://blog.mvhpayson.com/blog/2015/03/27/6-ways-to-care-for-your-spouse-after-a-heart-attack/feed/0Viral Infections: Should You Send Your Kids to School?http://blog.mvhpayson.com/blog/2015/03/17/viral-infections-should-you-send-your-kids-to-school/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=viral-infections-should-you-send-your-kids-to-school
http://blog.mvhpayson.com/blog/2015/03/17/viral-infections-should-you-send-your-kids-to-school/#commentsTue, 17 Mar 2015 17:20:54 +0000http://blog.mvhpayson.com/?p=782Continue reading →]]>There’s been a lot of hoopla surrounding the recent respiratory illness enterovirus 68 outbreak. A lot of parents are worried about what this means for their children.

If you’re one of those parents, you may wonder: Is it okay to send your child to school if he’s got a runny nose? The sniffles? A cough?

All of these are symptoms of a number of viral infections, ranging from the common cold to the potentially fatal enterovirus 68—the respiratory virus that has hospitalized 30 kids in Missouri and Illinois in August alone.

But when it comes to illnesses, size doesn’t matter. Viruses are the cause behind diseases ranging from the common cold to smallpox.

The fact that they live inside your body’s own cells is what makes viral infections so difficult to treat, the CDC says. They use your cells to protect themselves against medicine, which is why antibiotics don’t work.

The good news is that vaccines—like the flu vaccine—can protect you from viruses. But not all viruses have vaccines.

When someone with the infection coughs or sneezes, their germs spread to anything they come in contact with—from a tabletop or door handle to another person.

So, Should You Send Your Kids to School?

If your child has a viral infection, keep her home from school. If you find out that someone in your child’s class has a Enterovirus D68 or some other viral infection, ask the school how they are ensuring that other students don’t become infected.

If you’re unsure whether your child has a viral infection, you may contact one of the many physicians that work at Mountain View Hospital, just in case.

]]>http://blog.mvhpayson.com/blog/2015/03/17/viral-infections-should-you-send-your-kids-to-school/feed/03 Questions You Should Ask Your Doctor If You’re Having Twinshttp://blog.mvhpayson.com/blog/2015/03/10/3-questions-you-should-ask-your-doctor-if-you%e2%80%99re-having-twins/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=3-questions-you-should-ask-your-doctor-if-you%25e2%2580%2599re-having-twins
http://blog.mvhpayson.com/blog/2015/03/10/3-questions-you-should-ask-your-doctor-if-you%e2%80%99re-having-twins/#commentsTue, 10 Mar 2015 16:22:25 +0000http://blog.mvhpayson.com/?p=773Continue reading →]]>When you’re pregnant with multiples, it may seem like you have more than just twice the amount of baby supplies to purchase. You also have more factors to take into consideration when preparing for your labor and delivery.

That’s because pregnancies with multiples come with a higher risk for certain conditions, including preeclampsia, preterm labor and delivery, delivery via c-section and low birth weight, says the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Babies who are born preterm can have difficulties breathing and eating, and they usually have to stay in the hospital longer than full-term babies. But modern medicine has advanced enough that problems related to preterm pregnancy are usually treatable.

According to ACOG, detecting preterm labor early enough is key.

If your doctor diagnoses you with preterm labor, a corticosteroid may help your babies’ lungs mature more quickly. Or you may take a medication to slow or stop your contractions altogether. The main thing is to keep your doctor abreast of how you’re feeling, especially if you’re feeling contractions.

3) How can I reduce the chance that my babies will have a low birth weight?

]]>http://blog.mvhpayson.com/blog/2015/03/10/3-questions-you-should-ask-your-doctor-if-you%e2%80%99re-having-twins/feed/03 Ways to Stand Up for Yourself When You Have an Invisible Illnesshttp://blog.mvhpayson.com/blog/2015/02/07/3-ways-to-stand-up-for-yourself-when-you-have-an-invisible-illness/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=3-ways-to-stand-up-for-yourself-when-you-have-an-invisible-illness
http://blog.mvhpayson.com/blog/2015/02/07/3-ways-to-stand-up-for-yourself-when-you-have-an-invisible-illness/#commentsSat, 07 Feb 2015 00:07:12 +0000http://blog.mvhpayson.com/?p=765Continue reading →]]>Imagine feeling the evil eye seared into the back of your head by a half dozen people when you squeeze into a crowded elevator so you can go up 1 floor. “You couldn’t take the stairs?” You hear the person behind you mutter.

Imagine overhearing nasty, sarcastic comments about how healthy you look when you pull into a handicapped parking space: “Where’s your wheelchair?”

Or having your request for workplace or academic accommodations being questioned because “You don’t look sick.”

For people living with invisible illnesses, this is reality. Dealing with naysayers can be just as exhausting as dealing with the medical condition itself.

● Disclose your disability at any time during the hiring process and even after

● Receive reasonable accommodations for interviews

● Be considered for positions because of your skills and merit

● Answer questions about your disability in order to determine the type of accommodations you need, if any

If you’ve decided to share your condition with someone, but you’re having trouble explaining your condition, talk to your healthcare provider about it. She’s probably used to explaining the condition to her own patients and their families and may know what resonates and what doesn’t.

In extreme cases, particularly with employers, have documentation of your condition available. However, keep in mind that, depending on who the naysayer is, you may have no legal obligation to show this to them. Knowing who deserves proof of your condition and who doesn’t will save you time and hassle.

2) Be prepared to advocate for yourself

The sad reality is that if you have an invisible illness or disability, you may face unnecessary questions and skepticism when you ask for certain accommodations. This is unfortunately true whether you are applying for a handicapped parking pass or if you are seeking disability benefits.

That is why it is important to educate yourself on your legal rights to access and accommodations under U.S. law. That’s where the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) comes in.

If the idea of telling someone about your disability in order to receive accommodations makes you nervous, try practicing what you might say with a friend or family member. This can ease your nerves about the best way to word your case.

3) Keep calm and carry on

Remember that in most cases, the naysayer is not a medical professional or expert on your condition. They have no right to make you doubt yourself, nor do you have to prove anything to them.

Defending yourself to people who choose to deny what you’re experiencing is up to you, but allowing it to become a focus could increase your stress level about what may already be a stressful illness.

]]>http://blog.mvhpayson.com/blog/2015/02/07/3-ways-to-stand-up-for-yourself-when-you-have-an-invisible-illness/feed/0Stress and Back Pain: Sometimes They’re Not One Without The Otherhttp://blog.mvhpayson.com/blog/2015/01/24/stress-and-back-pain-sometimes-they%e2%80%99re-not-one-without-the-other/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=stress-and-back-pain-sometimes-they%25e2%2580%2599re-not-one-without-the-other
http://blog.mvhpayson.com/blog/2015/01/24/stress-and-back-pain-sometimes-they%e2%80%99re-not-one-without-the-other/#commentsSat, 24 Jan 2015 00:04:22 +0000http://blog.mvhpayson.com/?p=758Continue reading →]]>That twinge of pain in your lower back may not be from sleeping wrong or pulling a muscle. It could very well be from stress.

If you’re stressed out all the time and the pain in your back is on-going, know that there’s a link between the two.

When stress comes, the body releases nerve chemicals and hormones that can affect how your body functions. You may experience issues with your digestive and reproductive systems, plus your immunity is often lowered, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.

Unlike acute stress that occurs suddenly, the type of stress that can aggravate back pain stems from day-to-day issues that never seem to end. It can elevate your blood pressure and make your muscles tense, says the National Institutes of Health.

It’s easy to ignore your own well-being when you’re distracted by so many other things. Eating well and exercising often fall by the wayside when you’re stressed out. But that can cause weight gain.

Being overweight is associated with back pain because it adds pressure to joints in your back, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. A proper diet and exercise can keep the extra pounds off. Exercise will also strengthen those back muscles.

While drugs and alcohol may seem to help when you’re overwhelmed, it can actually become an even bigger issue, especially when you need a certain substance just to feel relaxed. Choosing healthier ways to deal with stress—like exercise and counseling—are much better.

4. Take a break from the stress

Sometimes people need to remove themselves from stress altogether. That could mean reserving a weekend, a day—or even just a few hours—where you unplug from the rest of the world. Turn off the tv, the phone, the laptop and just focus on doing something that you enjoy. That could even mean taking a short vacation to clear your head from stressful thoughts.

5. Address the root of the problem

There are times when people are stressed about issues that can be fixed. That means planning how to make a change. If poor finances are the problem, set up a budget that can put you in a better financial position or seek advice from a financial adviser or a friend who seems to be doing great with personal finance.

If your job is the source of your stress, then it might be time to plot your next move. That could mean talking to your boss about making changes or changing jobs altogether.

Regardless of the source, if you can clearly identify how to alleviate stress, then the next step is to take action. In the meantime, if your back pain continues, one of Mountain View’s orthopedic specialists can work with you to manage your pain.

But for first-time college students who have heart conditions, mental health concerns, diabetes or other chronic health issues, figuring out how to manage the illness on their own adds another level of stress.

Here are 7 tips for managing chronic illnesses in college.

1) Managing Medications

The biggest issue you want to avoid with managing medications is running out. Making sure that doesn’t happen depends on a number of factors, including:

● How far away your school is from a pharmacy that carries what you need

● How prepared you are to manage your medications solo

● The availability of medical assistance, in case of emergency

A tracking system, like a smartphone app or calendar, can help you remember when it’s almost time for a refill. You definitely don’t want to wait till you’re down to your last dosage to get refills. The pharmacy could be out of stock; your car could break down or some other unexpected obstacle could prevent you from filling your prescription on time.

2) Filling Prescriptions

Some schools have physicians on staff who will write and fill prescriptions, while some will only write them. Find out what, if any, prescription services your school offers before you get settled on campus.

If you have to fill a prescription off campus, look into where the local pharmacy is and physically visit the pharmacy so you don’t get lost when there’s an emergency.

Additionally, consider mail ordering your medication or requesting that your doctor write a 90-day prescription rather than a 30-day prescription. That way you don’t have to worry about remembering to fill it as often.

3) Taking Medications

Talk to your doctor about the best way to make the most of your medication. This may mean taking it regularly or only taking it as needed.

Since mom and dad are not there to remind you, and your schedule may vary from day to day, it’s up to you to remember to take your medications.

Even with having different classes on different days, there are some things that are constant, like brushing your teeth in the morning.

As much as possible, try to put your new medication regimen on autopilot as well so you don’t forget.

4) Finding Available Services

Get familiar with the medical and psychological services available at your school. Know where and when you can access them. Keep a list on your phone and make sure your roommate has access to the list as well.

Keep in mind that there may be a limit to the amount of appointments you can have during each academic term. There may also be a limit to when you can see a specialist, such as only during the terms when you are registered for classes, but not during breaks.

Find that out and make the proper arrangements in advance. You don’t want to wait until something urgent arises to find out you can’t get the medical care you need.

5) Seeing Your Doctor Back Home

Should you continue to see your doctor at home once you’ve transitioned to college?

This question depends on several key factors:

● Whether your insurance covers medical care closer to campus

● How far from home your school is

● How often you need to see a health professional

● Whether you need continuing treatment year-round

Think carefully about these factors before making a final decision.

6) Managing Your Medical Records

If you’re used to seeing half a dozen different specialists back home, it’s important to have copies—either digital or physical—of your medical records.

That way, you won’t have to worry about waiting for your home-based doctor to find and send your records to your new provider who is located closer to campus.

If the records you get are paper-based, make sure you keep the originals for yourself before handing over copies to your new provider.

7) Keeping Your Parents In the Loop

Even though you’re transitioning to independence, it’s important to keep your parents up-to-date. They still might have to step in, so keeping them in the loop will make sure they’re not completely taken by surprise.

The level of involvement you want them to have depends on how comfortable you feel.

You may want to let them know about every appointment you have scheduled, or you may just want to let them know if anything changes.

It’s perfectly okay to admit that you need help at the beginning of this next stage of your life. Be sure to thank them for their continued support, and show them that you can manage on your own.

As you prepare to leave for school, keep in mind that this transition is temporary. Over time you’ll figure out what works to take charge of your own health.

For a lot of patients, the first step is a feverish search for information. But where should you start your search? And how do you weed out the facts from the fiction?

Knowing where to go for reliable health information is crucial. Not only will you better understand what’s happening to your body if the information comes from a good source, but you’ll also likely have a better mindset for how you process and react to the information you find.

Doing your own research can also make your doctor’s visits more insightful, because you can ask more informed questions.

There are also online databases for medical research journals—such as the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA)—that can provide a wealth of good information. Keep in mind that these searchable databases may not be available for free, however, and you may need your doctor to help you translate some of the medical jargon.

Your DoctorSpeaking of your doctor, she’s probably your best bet for personalized advice. She’s also someone who can calm your fears because she’s probably cared for patients with similar conditions.

Some of what you read online may worry you. Create a list of questions and concerns for your doctor based on what you find, and ask her to explain what you’ve read.

She can help you sort through the facts that apply to you and those that do not.

]]>http://blog.mvhpayson.com/blog/2015/01/02/3-ways-to-research-reliable-health-information-after-a-diagnosis/feed/0Does Seasonal Affective Disorder Only Happen In the Winter?http://blog.mvhpayson.com/blog/2014/12/19/does-seasonal-affective-disorder-only-happen-in-the-winter/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=does-seasonal-affective-disorder-only-happen-in-the-winter
http://blog.mvhpayson.com/blog/2014/12/19/does-seasonal-affective-disorder-only-happen-in-the-winter/#commentsFri, 19 Dec 2014 00:16:10 +0000http://blog.mvhpayson.com/?p=728Continue reading →]]>As the winter months get colder, maybe you notice that you feel tired more often. You start to overeat—even when it’s not Thanksgiving or Christmas. And most importantly, you feel down, but you can’t quite put your finger on what caused your depressed mood.

These are typical symptoms of a type of depression called seasonal affective disorder, or SAD.

Most people who have heard of SAD think that it is a type of depression triggered during the winter months, when there is less natural sunlight, as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) explains.

Fewer people are aware that SAD can happen in the summer as well.

What is the Difference Between SAD in the Winter and SAD in the Summer?

Its symptoms—and their causes—are essentially the opposite of winter depression. Just as the lack of sunlight triggers winter SAD, some doctors believe that the sun’s abundance and the heat that comes with it triggers summer depression, according to Dr. Norman Rosenthal, one of the first doctors to identify SAD.

An older study published in August 2007 in the Journal of Affective Disorders, pointed to allergies and high pollen count as another factor that may contribute to developing summer SAD.

4 Tips For Dealing With SAD

1) Inform friends and family of your condition

Social isolation can make depression worse, which is why having a support network aware of your condition matters so much.

Friends and loved ones can get you to stay active and social. Be open to having someone to confide in during your tougher months.

2) Exercise

Physical activity is a great mood booster. Whether your SAD hits in winter or summer, there are plenty of exercises you can do indoors without having to pay a hefty fee to join a gym.

Do a quick YouTube search for videos of yoga routines, make some space in your living room, and enjoy the double benefits of getting exercise and practicing relaxation techniques at the same time.

3) Remember that SAD is temporary

There’s hope around the bend, and in a few months the weather will change in your favor. Hang in there and remind yourself it’s only temporary, but also know when to get help.

4) Talk to your doctor about treatment options

Admitting that your feelings of sadness are more than just the blues is a great first step. The second step: Get help. Talk to a doctor or therapist to see therapies will work for you. There is no need to suffer in silence this season.

If you are struggling with seasonal affective disorder, schedule an appointment with a physician at Mountain View Hospital.

]]>http://blog.mvhpayson.com/blog/2014/12/19/does-seasonal-affective-disorder-only-happen-in-the-winter/feed/05 Common Types of Headaches: Do You Know the Difference?http://blog.mvhpayson.com/blog/2014/12/02/5-common-types-of-headaches-do-you-know-the-difference/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=5-common-types-of-headaches-do-you-know-the-difference
http://blog.mvhpayson.com/blog/2014/12/02/5-common-types-of-headaches-do-you-know-the-difference/#commentsTue, 02 Dec 2014 16:07:13 +0000http://blog.mvhpayson.com/?p=713Continue reading →]]>Headaches are painful and annoying, yes, but they usually don’t require a trip to the emergency room.

What you need to treat them, however, is an understanding of the different kinds of headaches. Here’s what you should know about the causes of and cures for common types of headaches.

Migraines sometimes are triggered by foods or lifestyle changes, like not getting enough sleep, the NIH explains. In addition to taking over-the-counter or prescription medications, there are other things you can do when you feel a migraine coming on to reduce the severity of the symptoms.

These headaches are sharp and painful, according to the NIH. While the pain usually lasts for an hour or less, cluster headaches can occur a few times a day for months at a time, usually at the same time each day.

Cluster headaches can be managed with prescription medication, so it is worth seeing your doctor if you experience these symptoms.

4) Sinus headaches

Sinus headaches are caused by swelling behind your cheeks, nose and eyes, the NIH explains. Sufferers typically experience pain in the front of the head and face, and it gets worse first thing in the morning or when you bend forward.

These headaches can generally be treated with over-the-counter pain relievers or decongestants.

5) Rebound headaches

This type of headache just keeps coming back, says the NIH. The cause is usually taking too much pain medication.

If you take pain medication regularly for more than three days per week, you may develop rebound headaches. Consider scheduling an appointment with your doctor to see if anything can be done to manage the pain.

So when should you go to the ER if you have a headache?

While the NIH says that headaches rarely warrant a trip to the ER, be on the lookout for signs of serious illness.

Get medical help immediately if:

The headache appears suddenly and feels severely painful right from the start

]]>http://blog.mvhpayson.com/blog/2014/12/02/5-common-types-of-headaches-do-you-know-the-difference/feed/0What You Need to Know About Enterovirus or EV-D68http://blog.mvhpayson.com/blog/2014/09/12/what-you-need-to-know-about-enterovirus-or-ev-d68/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=what-you-need-to-know-about-enterovirus-or-ev-d68
http://blog.mvhpayson.com/blog/2014/09/12/what-you-need-to-know-about-enterovirus-or-ev-d68/#commentsFri, 12 Sep 2014 05:57:04 +0000http://blog.mvhpayson.com/?p=707Continue reading →]]>You may be aware that an increasing number of children in several U.S. states have been diagnosed with Enterovirus D68. Following are some facts and information that can help you to understand why this virus is gaining national attention and how to reduce your child’s risk of contracting it.

Enteroviruses are quite common, as there are over 100 different types. Each year, 10 to 15 million enterovirus infections occur in the United States, usually during the summer and fall. Most people infected with enteroviruses have only mild symptoms like a common cold. Some people do not appear to be sick at all. However, enteroviruses can cause more serious symptoms that may require hospitalization.

EV-D68 is one strain of enterovirus that has been linked to repository illness that ranges from mild to severe. While this strain has been around for more than 40 years, it is less common and rarely reported in the United States. It is not possible to confirm which specific strain the children have (such as EV-D68) without further testing at one of a limited number of CDC facilities.

However, our specialists note that there’s no need for parents to become overly concerned about the number of children who have contracted EV-D68 across the country. Their advice is to closely monitor children who have been exposed to this virus or have a mild cold-like illness because respiratory symptoms caused by enterovirus can progress quickly. Young children and people with asthma are particularly vulnerable to EV-D68 and severe respiratory illness.

Common Enterovirus Symptoms

Difficulty breathing

Shortness of breath

Rapid breathing

Wheezing

Lethargy

Mild fever (sometimes a fever is not present)

Runny nose, sneezing, cough

Skin rash

Body and muscle aches

Mouth blisters

For children with asthma:

Children with asthma should continue to follow their asthma action plans and speak with their doctor regarding yellow and red zone instructions. According to the CDC, 68 percent of the children with lab-confirmed EV-D68 nationwide have a history of asthma or wheezing (Sept. 8, 2014).

When to Seek Treatment

If you are concerned for any reason, notify your doctor.

If your child is experiencing signs of respiratory distress, such as wheezing, shortness of breath, feeling of “not getting enough air,” call your doctor immediately or go to your local ED.

Since many people who come down with an enterovirus do not have symptoms, it is difficult to prevent it from spreading. However, these tips can help keep your family to remain healthier now and during the cold and flu season:

Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. (Hand sanitizers are not as effective against enterovirus as thorough handwashing)

Disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as doorknobs, handrails and toys, especially where has respiratory illness symptoms.

Stay home when feeling ill and consult with your doctor if your child is experiencing symptoms.

At Mountain View Hospital, we’re well prepared to take good care of anyone who is experiencing serious symptoms of any respiratory illness including an enterovirus. Our emergency medicine specialists can provide evidence-based treatments for symptoms that would not need to be adjusted even if the virus could be confirmed as EV-D68. They are ready to provide appropriate and effective patient care plans for anyone with severe respiratory symptoms.

If you have questions or concerns about enterovirus or its symptoms, contact your family doctor or pediatrician or visit www.health.utah.gov. If you do not have a physician, you can schedule an appointment as soon as possible through our “See Me Same Day” service at 877-870-3745.